Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Are there some things in your past that you would change if you could?  I dare say the answer is a resounding yes from those who will be honest.  I’ve made this statement many times… I’m not proud of my past, but if that’s what it took to keep me from looking down my nose, thinking I’m better than others, then I’m glad I had it!   Back yonder, before I met Jesus, there were a multitude of things out of order in my life.  What I didn’t know was that my past would help me to show compassion to people that otherwise I may not have.  I am not encouraging you to create an ugly past.  What I am encouraging you to do is if you look back and see something that is not good, realize it can be a help instead of a hindrance if you allow it.  Someone has said… Let your past be your compass, but never your anchor.  God forgives sin, but remember sin leaves scars, and sin has consequences.   Paul said… Philippians 3:13-14, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul had a wicked past.  Forget that past.  Press on to the prize before us.  Amen. Pastor